Where To Find Smokepowder Reserve In Grymforge (Philomeen Location)

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After players arrive in the Grymforge in Baldur’s Gate 3, depending on their choices, they will be asked to save True Soul Nere from the rubble he is trapped in. Elder Brithvar will also hint that the rubble can be destroyed by using a decent amount of Smokepowder present somewhere in the Grymforge.

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One of the Deep Gnome slaves seems to have mounted a small-scale rebellion against their captors and has run away with the Smokepowder reserve somewhere nearby. You’ll be tasked with removing the rubble by blowing up a Smokepowder Reserve near the cave-in to free Nere. But you’ll need to find it first.

Baldur's Gate 3

Released: August 3, 2023
Developer(s): Larian Studios

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How To Get Smokepowder From Philomeen

The Smokepowder Barrel is in the hands of the Deep Gnome, Philomeen, in a hidden area of the Grymforge. To find her, head back to the dock where you first arrived at the Grymforge using the ship. Just east of the dock, you'll find two doors. One large double door is locked with another smaller metal door to its right. There should be a couple of Duergar disposing of Gnome corpses in front of the double doors.

metal door leading to smokepowder reserve in bg3-1

Lockpick the double doors and enter the room. At the far end of this room, you'll need to pass a perception check to reveal a button.

Interact with it to open the next hidden chamber and head up the stairs. You'll need to fight some jelly monsters here. At the top of the stairs, you'll be able to see another location separated by a small chasm. Jump over the chasm, and you'll find Philomeen at the back of the chamber.

Philomeen is in the possession of the Smokepowder Barrel. Talk to her, and she will not be convinced to part with it, only agreeing to give you a Smokepowder Vial in exchange for avoiding a fight. No matter what, you cannot convince Philomeen to hand over the Smokepowder Barrel by talking to her.

philomeen agreeing to give a smokepowder vial in bg3-1

The only way to get the Barrel from Philomeen is by stealing the Barrel from under her nose, either by sneaking past her or by engaging her in conversation with one of your characters and then using someone else to get the Barrel. If you agree to Philomeen's trade but steal from her as well, you can get both the Smokepowder Barrel and the Vial.

If you choose to force her hand, she will blow herself up with the Barrel so that you get nothing.

Smokepowder Reserve Location

Just the Smokepowder Vial is not enough to blow up the rubble Nere is trapped in. You'll need more. If you didn't get the Barrel from Philomeen, there is another option: The Smokepowder Reserve. To find it:

Head back to the dock and open the smaller door east of the dock.
Quicksave and enter the chamber. There will be a passive Perception check revealing a hidden button on one of the pillars.
Click on the button, and a hidden chamber will be revealed behind a wall.
You'll find a chest just inside with two Smokepowder Satchels sitting just behind it.

The Smokepowder Satchels are easy to miss, so hover the cursor over their location to reveal them.

True Soul Nere is slowly dying inside the rubble. If you wait too long to save him from it, the only thing you'll find is his dead body.

Other Smokepowder Locations

Smokepowder is a fairly abundant resource in the game, and there are multiple other sources that can be found throughout the game. Here are some of the easier ones to get to.

Zhentarim Hideout: Found near the two guards protecting the Zhentarim valuables.
Worg Pens: There is a Smokepowder Bomb in the Worg Pens room, where you find Halsin in his bear form locked up. It's in the window beside the Equipment chests.
Dror Ragzlin's Throne Room: Behind the throne, there is a locked door leading to a treasure trove. To the door's right is a pile of Smokepowder Barrels.